DJ Carey | Eugene Cloonan | Martin Comerford | Brendan Cummins
Ronan Curran | Gar Farragher | James 'cha' Fitzpatrick | Paul Flynn
John Gardiner | Niall Gilligan | Damian Hayes | Conal Keaney | Eoin Kelly
Eoin Larkin | Fergus McMahon | Andrew Mitchell | Pat Mulcahy
Sean Óg Ó Hailpin | Ben O'Connor | Joe Rabbite | Dan Shanahan
Henry Shefflin | Tommy Walsh
The present Cork hurling team will go down in history as one of the greatest ever to have come out of the Rebel County. Many will remember the half-back line as the foundation on which its success was built. Ronan Curran has been at the heart of that half-back line since his senior hurling debut in 2003. The success that followed is amazing. In his short time hurling at this level, Curran has picked up All-Ireland medals, three Munster Championship medals and two consecutive All-Star Awards.
Like many great Cork hurlers, the St. Finbarr’s man was forced to make the decision between football and hurling. Having won Munster and All-Ireland honours with Cork’s minor hurlers in 1998, he went on to win a Munster Minor football medal in 1999. Of course, that was the same year Cork’s Senior hurlers went onto All-Ireland glory under Jimmy Barry-Murphy, and Ronan Curran decided that the small ball game was the one for him. His choice to opt for hurling has paid off. And you can’t help but think there’s a lot more to come from Curran and this bunch of Cork hurlers.
What is it like being part of this Cork hurling team?
It’s a great feeling. They are a great group of players with a brilliant attitude to the game.
What has been your greatest moment in sport?
Winning the All-Ireland final in 2004 when we beat a well fancied Kilkenny team.
Who are the toughest team you have ever faced?
The Kilkenny team that beat us in the 2003 final.
Who are the toughest opponents out there?
Tipperary’s Eoin Kelly is one of the hardest players to mark, you can’t give him any space. He has all the skills and can score from any angle.
How do you balance your work and hurling?
I work in a hurling orientated company MYCRO, they are very accommodating and that helps.
Which players do you admire the most?
Cork’s Brian Corcoran and Wayne Sherlock.
Who was your childhood hero?
Brian Corcoran was a great inspiration to me.
What club do you play for and who are your biggest rivals?
I play for St.Finbarrs. We are based in Cork City and Blackrock would be our biggest rivals but there is a great respect between both clubs.
Do you play any other sports?
Gaelic football and golf.
What’s the most important skill in the game, in your opinion?
It has to be ball control. Getting the ball under control is a fundamental skill of the game and the most important.
What are your hopes for the future?
At the moment I have two. To win another All-Ireland title and to win a County Championship with my club St.Finbarrs.
What advice would you give to young players?
Keep practising the basic skills. They are more important than most people think. Always go out to enjoy yourself - that’s what hurling and sport is all about.© September 2006
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